These ibex climb an almost vertical dam with such confidence that the footage barely looks real. Far above the ground, the animals carefully make their way across a surface that appears to offer almost nowhere to stand.
But this isn’t a stunt or clever editing. In this remarkable clip from BBC’s Forces of Nature with Brian Cox, Alpine ibex scale the steep face of a dam in Italy in search of salts and minerals — demonstrating some extraordinary natural climbing ability.
How Ibex Stay on a Wall That Looks Impossible to Climb
The first question is obvious: how are they not falling?
Ibex are exceptional mountain climbers. Their split hooves help them find purchase on small and uneven surfaces, while softer inner pads provide additional grip. On the dam, tiny imperfections and ledges that look almost meaningless to us can provide enough support for an ibex to keep moving.
Even more fascinating is why they’re willing to make the climb. The animals are attracted to salts and minerals available on the dam, giving them a powerful reason to venture onto its extraordinarily steep face.
Seeing the ibex climb an almost vertical dam turns those adaptations into something spectacularly visible. Every careful step shows just how comfortable these animals are in places that would terrify most humans.
Why We Loved This Video
This is nature producing something that looks more unbelievable than a special effect.
What we especially love is the combination of wow factor and explanation. At first you’re simply staring at animals standing on what appears to be an impossible wall. Then you discover that their remarkable feet, balance and natural climbing ability allow them to exploit tiny footholds we can barely see.
It’s beautiful, nerve-racking and fascinating all at once — and probably one of the few videos where watching goats walk around can make your palms sweat.
